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Physical Therapy Alumni Reaching Higher

What are some features of your experience at SFU that are positive or unique?

"Small classroom environment, beautiful campus, good amount of support given by friends and teachers, close relationships with professors, teammates as well as many other athletes."

Why did you choose SFU over a larger university?

"For the PT program."

What sport did you play?

"Swimming."

How did you balance athletics and academics as a student athlete at SFU?

"Time management skills."

What would you like to share about SFU or the PT major with a prospective student athlete?

"I loved being an athlete because I had wonderful teammates, got to travel often new places, and had a fun time along the way. SFU is a great place to learn because of the people who attend or work here. The friends and professors I have met here have given me the support and encouragement I needed to succeed."

What are some features of your experience at SFU that are positive or unique?

"One thing that I have always really enjoyed about SFU as a student-athlete is the support from the faculty and other students. It really is a privilege to be a Division 1 college athlete, and to know that everyone at your school knows who you are and what team you are on and is is supporting you makes it all worthwhile. It is a good feeling to walk into a class and your teacher congratulates you on winning a recent game. You don't get that at many schools."

What sport did you play?

"Women's soccer."

How did you balance athletics and academics as a student athlete at SFU?

"Balancing a sport with your school work can be challenging, but it really teaches you good time management skills. I would study on the bus/van during trips for away games and also in the hotel room whenever possible. It really requires putting yourself on a schedule and using your time wisely between class and practices or games. Playing a sport and being a PT major has really helped me to become a more responsible, self-disciplined person, and these attributes are very necessary in the field of physical therapy."

What would you like to share about SFU or the PT major with a prospective student athlete?

"SFU is the perfect place to get a great education and excel in a sport. Since it is a small school, you get the attention you need from professors, due to smaller class sizes, and you also have the opportunity to play a Division 1 sport. One advantage to being a PT major and playing a sport here at SFU is that you get a lot of experience working with others as a team. This is an important aspect of physical therapy, since in the profession you will be working with patients, but also with other PTs, OTs, physicians, etc."

What are some features of your experience at SFU that are positive or unique?

"The DPT program is such a great opportunity for me. But the best aspect is the personal attention and support that everyone at Saint Francis gives me. I couldn't ask for anything more."

Why did you choose SFU over a larger university?

"I was attracted to how the physical therapy program was set up, but also, the faculty and staff here are just amazing and treat the students well."

What would you like to share about SFU or the PT major with prospective freshmen?

"Saint Francis is great. I've been to other schools and can truly say that this is a top-notch university. PT is such a rewarding field and if you put in the work, you will get so much more out of it. I feel lucky to be a part of the PT program and SFU!"

What would you like to share about SFU or the PT major with prospective freshmen?

What are some features of your experience at SFU that are positive or unique?

"The activities that I chose to participate in made my SFU experience unique. I'm no athlete, but by being in the Pep Band I was able to travel to other states and cheer on the Women's Basketball Team. Through my experiences as a Resident Assistant, I learned patience, tolerance and I was able to meet so many new people. By participating in Habitat for Humanity, I was able to help give a family a better home, and imbibe the best homemade hot chocolate in Johnstown! This school is all what you make it to be. I had a great experience at Saint Francis."

Why did you choose SFU over a larger university?

"...because I knew that with a difficult major like PT, I would need to have the closer attention available if I needed it."

What would you like to share about SFU or the PT major with prospective freshmen?

"There is no time like the present to be honest...PT is tough. It tests your clinical knowledge and skill as well as your personal character. The staff and classmates are much like a big family: they can be a source of frustration at times, but more often they are the ones that help you up when you feel like you've stumbled and fallen, and stand behind your achievements when you succeed. Just remember to be patient and persistent. You can do this."

Can you share some features of your experience at SFU at are positive or unique?

"At SFU you get a one-on-one experience with the professors. This really helps you to learn al that you can. You are not just a number because they know you by name."

Why did you choose SFU when you were first applying to PT schools?

"SFU had the one-on-one experience, plus you did not have to compete for spots. As long as you kept your grades up, you were in the program."

Do you see any advantages of an education at SFU compared with either more urban or larger universities?

"You do not have the distractions that you would at an urban setting. These professors care about you and are willing to do what they can to help you succeed."

What would you like to share about SFU or the PT major with prospective freshmen?

"SFU PT will make you a strong and competent therapist. You will leave SFU with many close contacts as well as entry level skills."

What are you doing now?

"I work full time in an outpatient setting but also help out in acute care and home health. I have a great family and two dogs. I also try to further my education with at least two additional therapy courses a year."